By LINDSAY LANDSBERG
Clear plastic posters have been posted on the walls of Jericho High School to promote a go paperless initiative. Seniors Zach R. and Angela C. started this go paperless movement to encourage the use of electronic devices as an alternative to paper for academic organization.
With the use of any electronic device, typically an Apple iPad or a Microsoft Surface, a student can transition from using pen and paper to a personal electronic device. According to senior Zach R. students can use an iPad to replace their binders. Chromebook carts are available in most classrooms for student use, so students don’t necessarily need to purchase their own. Senior Angela C. said, “We initially wanted each student to receive their own iPad, and although that’s not feasible for this year, we hope that that is the endgame.”
With his/her choice of device, a student can download the Microsoft application OneNote, which is a digital note-taking app. OneNote allows students to open different tabs, each representing one of their classes. Students who have gone paperless can take pictures of course handouts or download files from Canvas, our school’s learning management system, and import them to OneNote. Additionally, students can start a blank page to take regular handwritten or typed notes.
The go paperless movement has influenced several students to ditch their notebooks and binders for an iPad and a stylus. Sophomore Angela L. said, “You don’t have to carry everything around, and everything is very efficient and organized.” She explained that students who have gone paperless are allowed to submit assignments on Canvas, so there’s no scrambling for papers. Sophomore Judy Z. decided to go paperless when her bag couldn’t hold any more binders, and she had to carry her books. “I have faster access to resources and it makes handing in schoolwork easier. It makes learning easier,” she added.
Several Jericho High School teachers believe the paperless initiative will benefit the Jericho community. Science teacher and go paperless adviser Ms. Bhasin believes that the Jericho School District should embrace the idea of going paperless. She said, “It’s a great way for the current generation of students to learn with the technology that’s out there.” She then added that by going paperless, students gain better organizational skills.
Although not its primary intent, many students and teachers also feel strongly about the environmental impacts of the go paperless movement. English teacher Ms. Brown said, “It’s nice for me to go paperless because I feel like it’s my moral obligation to help save our planet.” Likewise, English teacher Ms. Valenza said, “By making all of my handouts PDFs and by collecting all student work via Canvas, I am reducing a lot of photocopying and I am helping the environment.”
The go paperless organizers hope to help as many students as possible make the transition. Senior Zach R. said, “There are a lot of students who could potentially find so much success in a similar route, but they just have no exposure to it.” That’s why every other Wednesday morning, Zach R. and Angela C. are outside of the High School cafeteria available for questions and concerns on how to make the transition process more seamless.
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